Are Mrs. Meyers Cleaning Products Really “All Natural”?

If a product is branded as “natural,” does that mean that it’s made with 100% natural ingredients? Not necessarily. Because there are no federal regulations that set requirements regarding what “natural” cleaning products must contain (or not contain), it can be tricky for consumers to know what it is they’re actually purchasing--unless they look carefully at the list of ingredients.

Are There Harmful Ingredients in Mrs. Meyers Cleaning Products?

Unlike some brands, Mrs. Meyers attempts to create transparency on their website when it comes to the ingredients in their products. Each product’s webpage has a section where you can view a breakdown of what ingredients are used, what they are, and what their purpose is. However, some ingredients are labeled and/or described in a way that omits information contrary to the products’ branding.

In the Clean Day Basil Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner, you’ll find ingredients like water, salt, and essential oils. You’ll also see these ingredients:

• Methylisothiazolinone: This is described as a “non-formaldehyde preservative.” Under “What Does It Do?” the website notes: “synthetic product preservative, < 1% of total volume to ensure shelf life stability.”
• Fragrance: This is described as a “mixture of high-quality essential oils and synthetic fragrance ingredients” that “smells great and provides an aromatherapeutic experience.”

Aside from being a preservative, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that methylisothiazolinone (MCI) is a standardized chemical allergen. Synthetic fragrances can also cause allergic reactions and worsen indoor air quality. Federal regulations don’t require manufacturers to list the ingredients in “fragrance,” so the term “fragrance,” “perfume,” or “parfum” can mean a few fragrance allergens or a few hundred. Mrs. Meyers does note under the ingredients list that the product “contains fragrance allergens” and includes a list of each fragrance allergen.

Are Mrs. Meyers Products Dangerous?

If Mrs. Meyers cleaning products are used as directed, they are unlikely to cause serious, immediate harm. However, if you have a chemical sensitivity (1 in 4 Americans do), these products could create harmful conditions for you in your home, and the artificial fragrances used in the products can worsen your indoor air quality over time.

At GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration, we promote healthy living. All of our products are bio-safe, and all of our methods are bio-friendly. We do not use any toxic chemicals and our cleaning systems produce superior results.

Did You Know Your Vacuum Cleaner Could Do This?

Most people use vacuum cleaners for what you’d expected: sucking up the dust, dander, hair, and numerous other particles that find their way onto floors and upholstered furniture. However, you may be surprised to find out that your vacuum cleaner can be used for much more than cleaning floors and sofas.

Here are some brilliant, new ways to make use of your vacuum cleaner. Get those attachments ready!

1. Prevent Dryer Lint Fires

Dryer lint buildup can pose a serious fire hazard to any home. At least a couple of times each year, take out your dryer’s lint trap and use your vacuum cleaner’s thin wand attachment to suck out excess lint from the vent.

2. Blow Up an Air Mattress

Have no fear if the electric pump to your air mattress dies. A bagged vacuum cleaner can do the job as well!

3. Find Tiny, Lost Items

We’ve all done it. At some point, we’ve dropped a pin, earring, needle, or some other small object into carpeting and simply could not find it. If this happens to you, stretch a stocking or the foot of a pair of tights or pantyhose over the mouth of your vacuum’s attachment, and vacuum over the area where you lost the item. The vacuum will suck up the item from the carpeting, and the stocking will keep the item from going all the way up into your vacuum cleaner.

4. Re-fluff Carpet Indentations

If you’ve ever moved furniture around, you’ve probably noticed the indentations that furniture leaves behind on carpeting. If an indentation is particularly stubborn, place an ice cube directly on the spot and allow it to melt. Once the water has mostly dried, vacuum over the area in every direction. Note: Refrain from using an excessive amount of ice cubes, as too much water can lead to mold growth under the carpet!

5. Clean Your Curtains

Curtains often get neglected during housecleaning, but they collect a large number of airborne particles, including dust and mold spores if they’re next to an open window. If you have curtains that can’t be machine-washed, use your vacuum cleaner’s upholstery attachment to give them a good dusting.

Vacuum cleaners certainly are handy appliances, but for certain areas of your home, a heavier-duty solution is needed. If your air ducts, attic, or crawl space is in need of a professional cleaning, contact GreenPro Cleaning and Restoration!

How to Prepare Your Home for a Summer Storm

Now that we’re in the season of summer storms, it’s not only important to keep your eye on the weather report but to also prepare your home for what might come well in advance. In order to prevent damage to your home during the worst summer storms, here are 5 important steps you should never forget to complete.

1. Get your roof inspected ahead of time.

Roof leaks are an infamous source of costly water damage. While you can survey parts of your roof from the ground, you won’t be able to get an accurate idea of its condition from that angle and distance. However, trying to traverse your roof without experience and proper training can end up in a trip to the emergency room.

In the end, it’s best to get your roof inspected by a professional, insured roofer. They will be able to spot areas of your roof that might be damaged or otherwise susceptible to leaks.

2. Tie down any outdoor furniture or move it indoors.

Gusts of wind can blow outdoor furniture across your yard, damaging your home and your landscaping. In some cases, particularly strong gusts can even carry your furniture into the yard of a neighbor and cause damage to their home. Furniture might even strike a person who happens to be outside, causing them serious injury.

If you know a storm or strong winds are headed your way, make sure to tie down your outdoor furniture or move it into the garage or basement.

3. Get your trees trimmed.

This is especially important if trees are hanging over your roof or touching your home. Stormy conditions can cause their branches (or even the whole tree) to scrape against your home or collapse on it. Also, be sure to throw away loose branches and debris. Just like unsecured furniture, fallen branches and debris can injure people or damage homes when carried by the wind.

4. Ensure your gutters are clean and securely attached to your home.

Your gutters won’t be able to steer water away from your home if they’re clogged with leaves and other debris. Make sure that they are completely debris-free and that they aren’t loose or wobbly anywhere.

5. Stock up on sandbags to redirect water, if necessary.

Sometimes your yard’s drainage system cannot adequately handle torrents of summer rain. This results in flooding across your property. Sandbag walls are useful for redirecting water away from your home so that you can avoid water damage. Keep plenty on hand, just in case!

If you suspect that your home might have water damage after a summer storm, it’s important to get your home evaluated at once. At GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration, we perform visual surveys to check the fungal ecology or problems in a specific area as directed. If there is a problem with water damage, we can help you address it.

Don't Forget These 7 Summer Home Maintenance Tips

With summer just around the corner, it’s a good idea to make sure your home is prepared to handle everything that comes with the season. The most important thing to remember is that in order to properly prepare your home, it’s going to need maintenance inside as well as outside.

Here are 7 maintenance tips you’ll want to make sure to tackle before summer really gets going.

1. Clean, repair, or replace your window screens.

Window screens allow you to let cool, morning temperatures and evening breezes into your home without letting in bugs and birds as well. However, a dusty, grimy screen can prevent airflow from occurring--or worse--can make your indoor air dirtier.

Make sure to take down your window screens to give them a gentle scrub with hot, soapy water. While doing this, look for tears or gaps through which insects might enter and repair as needed. In some cases, replacing an old, worn screen here and there might be the best option.

2. Dust your ceiling fans.

Ceiling fans tend to accumulate a lot of dust, particularly on top of the blades. Dust the body and blades of your ceiling fans thoroughly with a microfiber cloth.

3. Reverse your ceiling fans.

After dusting your fans, you’ll want to make sure that your ceiling fans are spinning in the right direction (counter-clockwise) to properly cool the rooms they’re in, as you may have reversed their direction for the opposite effect during winter.

4. Inspect your deck and balconies.

Check the floor, railings, and pillars of your deck and balconies for any safety hazards, namely signs of rotting or termite damage. That kind of damage should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent any accidents or injuries.

Also, check for any nail heads that may be jutting out of the wood, and hammer any protruding nails back into place. Lastly, check to see if your deck needs to be resealed by splashing a little water onto its boards. If the water soaks into the wood, rather than beading up, you’ll know that your deck should be resealed.

5. Inspect your sprinkler system.

Make sure that none of the sprinkler heads have become buried or knocked off center, and then slowly turn your system on so that you can look for leaks and water pressure issues. Afterward, adjust your sprinkler system’s watering schedule for longer, hotter days.

6. Add mulch to your garden.

Putting mulch in your flower beds allows them to better retain moisture and also helps suppress weeds.

7. Make sure your attic and crawlspace are treated for mold and harmful bacteria.

If your attic and crawlspace are already prone to excess moisture (which many are), the warmth of summer months can lead to extensive mold and bacteria growth, resulting in foul odors and poor indoor air quality. It’s a good idea to get the often-neglected areas professionally cleaned to prevent this issue.

The Secret to Deep-Cleaning a Couch in 5 Steps

Just like your floor, your kitchen counters, and your bathroom sinks, your couch gets daily use. You use it, your kids use it, and maybe even your pets use it! Even so, many people don’t think about what kind of cleaning that a couch requires.

If your couch is overdue for a deep-cleaning (and let’s be honest--most of our couches are), here is how to do it in 5 steps.

1. Learn what cleaning method suits your upholstery.

In order to clean your couch properly, you have to first know what kind of material the upholstery is made of. The couch’s label should tell you this and should also include a list of codes to let you know what kind of cleaning can be performed upon the upholstery.

Here are the codes you’re likely to encounter on your couch’s label:

• S: This means that you should only use a dry cleaning detergent.
• WS: You can use either a steam vacuum with a mild detergent or use a dry cleaning detergent.
• W: This means that water is okay to use for cleaning.
• X: Only vacuum when you see this symbol. Don’t use any water.

2. Vacuum every inch.

Before deep cleaning, you’ll want to be sure to get rid of any hair, crumbs, fur, and other particles from your couch’s upholstery. Make sure to use your vacuum’s attachments so that you can get into the crannies and creases of your couch as well as its larger surfaces.

3. Disinfectant any non-upholstered parts.

Once your couch has been thoroughly vacuumed, wipe down any non-upholstered parts of your couch with a bleach-free disinfectant. It’s best to test a small spot first to make sure there are no other agents in the disinfectant that alter the color of the non-fabric parts.

4. Use baking soda to remove odors.

Baking soda is great for removing bad smells, and with all the moisture and bacteria couches can retain, it’s no wonder that they can begin to have a less-than-fresh odor after a while. That being said, you’ll want to test this step on a small, inconspicuous section of the upholstery to make sure that the baking soda doesn’t have a bleaching effect on it.

Once you’ve determined that the baking soda isn’t lightening your upholstery, it’s safe to use it on the rest of your couch. Sprinkle baking soda onto the area that needs deodorizing and spread it evenly with a bristle brush. Let the baking soda sit for a few hours before vacuuming it with your vacuum’s brush attachment.

5. Use water, white vinegar, and Castile soap for lingering odors and tough stains.

If your upholstery is able to get wet, create an all-natural upholstery cleaner and disinfectant for it to remove any stubborn odors or spots. Spray the solution onto the area in need, work it into the upholstery with a white cloth, then blot.

Vinegar Solution Recipe:

• 1 cup of warm water
• ¼ cup of white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of Castile soap (or substitute with 1 tablespoon of mild detergent)

The 3 Most Unsanitary Places In Your Home

Do you know what the germiest, dirtiest, bacteria-ridden places are in your home? The winners might surprise you.

According to a recent study from NSF International (involving 660 tests in 22 homes), these three places in your home contain the highest average germ count (and none of them are your toilet). Don’t worry, though--we’re providing you with some tips for cleaning each one of them.

3rd Place: Your Toothbrush Holder

Although it is not at all comforting to think about, your toothbrush holder is probably the third-most bacteria-ridden place in your entire house. One reason for this is its close proximity to the toilet, making it susceptible to traveling bacteria whenever you flush the toilet. Another reason is that your toothbrush itself contains millions of bacteria, and it rests directly in your toothbrush holder.

According to the study, of all the toothbrush holders tested:

• 64% harbored yeast and mold
• 27% tested positive for coliform bacteria
• 14% contained staph bacteria

How to Clean Your Toothbrush Holder:

• First, rinse it thoroughly with hot water and wipe it down with a clean cloth.
• Use a pipe cleaner or a similar long object so that you can clean inside each toothbrush slot.
• Depending on your holder type, fill it or soak it in antibacterial mouthwash for 2-3 minutes.
• Let it air dry.

2nd Place: Your Kitchen Sink

Your kitchen sink sees a lot of action, and with the amount of food waste, heat, and moisture that accumulate there, it can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. In addition, the sink is where you also clean unwashed fruits and vegetable and rinse off raw meat, which can introduce additional bacteria to your kitchen.

According to the study, of all the kitchen sinks tested:

• 45% tested positive for coliform bacteria
• 27% contained mold

How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen Sink

• Rinse it thoroughly to get rid of any food scraps.
• Sprinkle it with baking soda, and rub the baking soda over the surface until it forms a paste.
• Rinse thoroughly again.
• Soak paper towels in white vinegar (a natural disinfectant), and line your sink with them. Let them sit for 20 minutes.
• Throw the paper towels away and rinse your sink one more time with warm and soapy water.
• Use a cloth soaked in vinegar to clean your faucet and handles.

1st Place: Your Kitchen Sponge

This is pretty alarming news for most people, especially because this is what most households use to clean their dirty dishes. However, when you stop to consider how much food waste touches dish sponges, how little sponges themselves are actually washed, and how frequently wet sponges are, a high bacteria count and even mold growth begins to make sense.

According to the study, of all the sponges tested:

• 86% contained yeast and mold
• 77% contaied coliform bacteria
• 18% contained staph bacteria

How to Keep Your Kitchen Sponge Clean:

• Replace your sponge regularly. Use each sponge for only 2 weeks.
• Microwave your sponge for 2 minutes daily to disinfect it.

10 House Cleaning Shortcuts You'll Wish You'd Known About Years Ago

Time is precious, and no one (well, almost no one) wants to spend most of it cleaning. Between all the other things you have to do on a day-to-day basis (running errands, going to work, taking care of kids and/or pets, etc.), you want to ensure yourself some spare time at the end of the week for whatever strikes your fancy.

With these 10 speed-cleaning tips, you’ll be ready reclaim your free time in less time than ever!

1. “Trick” yourself by attaching a quick chore to something you actually enjoy doing.

For instance, you can wipe down your kitchen counters and clean your sink while waiting for something delicious to bake in the oven. You can also work on sorting your laundry while enjoying a moisture-infused face mask.

2. If you live in a two-story home, keep two sets of cleaning supplies.

One set will be for upstairs, and the other will be for downstairs. This saves you the hassle of lugging them around from one floor to the other and allows you to start cleaning more quickly.

3. Break up chores into “bite-size” pieces.

Don’t try to tackle the whole house or even a whole room at once. Try focusing on just one side of one room for half an hour, and make it your goal to clean as much of it as you can. If you finish with time to spare, you might even feel like attacking the other side of the room.

4. If you have kids, keep bins or baskets for toys in multiple rooms.

Instead of trying to herd all of your children’s playthings into one toy box, keep some stylish baskets or bins in several rooms--or even every room--so that you have a place to collect toys for a quick cleanup.

5. Keep new garbage bags at the bottom of your trash cans.

This eliminates the extra steps of going to the cupboard or closet to fetch a new bag every time you empty the trash. Once you lift up and tie off the full bag of garbage, your next bag is right there waiting for you.

6. Don’t wait to clean or wipe down your shower.

Just pick a day and clean your shower while you’re still in it, or tack on a small section of grout each day for a few minutes with a toothbrush. If your shower has glass walls, keep a squeegee handy or use a towel to wipe it down after each use.

7. Don’t wait to wipe up a spill.

The longer you wait, the more a spill solidifies, and the more it solidifies, the longer it’s going to take to clean.

8. If a spill has crusted onto your stove, let it soak.

Don’t waste time scrubbing away at spots on your stove. Instead, lay a rag soaked in soapy water over the area you wish to tackle, find a different thing to clean for ten minutes, and then wipe the dirty spots away.

9. Clean a lampshade with a lint roller and a hairdryer.

Roll the lint roller along the inside and outside of the lampshade to pick up dust in a hurry. If dust collects in the seams, use a hairdryer to blow it out.

10. Start vacuuming/sweeping/mopping from the corner farthest from the room’s doorway.

Once you do this, work your way out towards that doorway. This prevents you from stepping directly onto the floor that you just cleaned.

4 Ingenious Baking Soda Hacks

If you’re looking for some homemade cleaning solutions that can take on grease, grime, and odors just as well as harsh, chemical cleaners, baking soda will be your ingredient of choice. The best part is that you’ll probably have it and any other components that you’ll need in your house already. Check out these brilliant baking soda hacks to help tidy up your humble abode.

Dirty Grout

If dirty grout is taking your tile down a notch, try cleaning it with a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.

What To Do:

• Combine baking soda with hydrogen peroxide to make a paste.
• Using a toothbrush, scrub the grout with the paste.
• Wipe the remaining paste away with white vinegar on a rag or paper towel.

Grimy Ovens

Few people look forward to cleaning their oven, and the less often you clean it, the more you probably dread it. Don’t worry--a baking soda mixture can soften the food and grime that has burned onto your oven’s interior, making the gunk easier to scrub away afterward.

What To Do

1. Combine baking soda, salt, and white vinegar until it creates a paste.
2. Wearing rubber gloves, coat the walls, floor, and door of the oven with the paste using a brush.
3. Here’s the tricky part: you’ll need to keep this coating moist for about 24 hours. You can do this by spraying it with more vinegar every so often.
4. Wipe off the paste as best you can.
5. Turn on your oven to 100 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour, then turn it back off and let it cool.
6. Here’s the fun part: once the oven is cool enough for you to comfortably touch it, spray it with more white vinegar, wipe away the last of the residue, and enjoy your spotless oven.

Slow, Smelly Drains

If you notice that your sink seems to be draining more slowly than it used to, you can try a solution of baking soda and vinegar to freshen it up and help it flow freely. (Note: this tip is only for slow drains, not clogged drains.)

What To Do

1. Pour 1 cup of baking soda into the slow drain.
2. Pour hot vinegar over the baking soda. Wait 10 minutes before the next step.
3. Pour boiling water over the baking soda and vinegar to flush everything down the drain.

Odors in the Air

If your kitchen garbage or cat litter box is starting to accumulate odors, baking soda can help freshen the air. Sprinkle baking soda periodically into your kitchen garbage can as you add more waste. For litter boxes, sprinkle and mix baking soda directly into the litter.